VariousSka is Dead

This compilation is contradictory to its title, proving that ska is, in fact, not dead after all. Twenty-three bands playing varying degrees and styles of this long-standing genre are collected here, from the political punk/ska of Against All Authority, the roots-ska of Deals Gone Bad and the experimental goofiness of Bomb The Music Industry to third-wave mainstays Mustard Plug and Fishbone. This album works more as a snapshot of this genres current status rather than a comprehensive album standing on its own merits because, other than one previously unreleased track (MU330s "Please Dont Run) and two alternate versions (from the Flatliners and Streetlight Manifesto), all the songs can be found on the bands albums. Still, this is an excellent compilation for any ska fan. Whether you prefer your ska infused with some punk or just the classic roots of the genre, its all represented here.
(Stomp)